Pears, known for their sweet flavors and varied textures, are great for baking, poaching, canning, and fresh eating. With a range of types available, each pear offers a unique eating experience. Here is a look at 10 popular pear varieties.
Anjou: The Anjou pear, also known as d’Anjou, come in two varieties: the Green Anjou and the Red Anjou. Though both varities are sweet the Red Anjou tends to be slightly sweeter then the green one. The Anjou is a verstaile pear that's widely available all year round. It that has a crisp and firm texture, holds up well to cooking, and eats great as a hand-held snack.
Asian: The Asian pear, also known as sand pear or apple pear (because it's shaped like an apple), is a sweet pear that's crunchy and juicy. The Asian pear can be eaten raw, and when cooked, will mantain it's firm texture.
Aurora: The Aurora pear is a dessert pear that's smooth, juicy, and sweet. Aurora pears are great for fresh eating, cooking, juicing, or canning.
Bae: The Bae pear, also known as the Korean pear, have a slight tartness and more of a grainy texture than other pears. The Bae pear is good for fresh eating and juicing, but because of its high water content it's not recommended for baking.
Baldwin: The Baldwin pear, native to Europe and East Asia, is a light yellow pear that's sweet and semi-firm. Great for fresh eating, canning, or desserts.
Bartlett: The Bartlett pear, also known as Williams Pears, is a sweet, juicy, and slightly firm pear. The Bartlett is the most eaten pear in the United States and is great for canning and eating fresh.
Bosc: Bosc pears have a firm texture with a sweet earthy taste. Bosc pears are commonly used for baking and poaching.
Comice: Comice pears have a sweet, creamy, and juicy flesh and are known for pairing well with soft cheeses.
Concorde: Concorde pears have a firm texture with sweet vanilla-like taste to them. The Concorde pear is great for eating fresh or baking.
Seckel: The Seckel pear, also known as the sugar pear or candy pear, is a sweet pear with a creamy texture. The Seckel pear is great for cooking or eating raw with sharp cheeses.
